Most of the world's population isn't eating enough fruits and vegetables, according to a published report funded by Amway.Courtesy image

ADA, MI -- If you live in parts of Asia, you are more likely to eat the vegetables that bolster your heart health and strengthen your immunity -- such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage -- compared to Americans.

In the U.S., cruciferous veggies accounts for less than 6 percent of our diet, while in Japan or Korea, it’s closer to 30 percent.

But those living in the U.S. tend to lead the globe when it comes to consuming their citrus fruits, which account for about 30 percent of the produce in diets.

Leafy vegetables were 12 percent, which was the highest of any region studied.

These are some of the insights in a new global report on phytonutrients, bankrolled by Amway, which sells more Nutrilite brand vitamins and supplements than any other product category through its more than 3 million distributors.

The report is based on analyzing data from a World Health Organization survey, and U.S. Department of Agriculture databases.

The Nutrilite global phytonutrient research will appear in the September issue of the British Journal of Nutrition, an international, peer-reviewed journal of nutritional science.

The report, “Global assessment of select phytonutrient intakes by level of fruit and vegetable consumption,” is based on research commissioned by Amway’s Nutrilite Health Institute and is co-authored by Dr. Keith Randolph, technology strategist for the Institute.

The data is being shared with the scientific community in hopes of bettering the world’s understanding of its gaps in plant-based nutrients intake, said Nick Wasmiller, an Amway spokesman.

“It also will help Amway, as we’ll be able to customize our efforts in many regions even further – delivering high-quality product that is targeted for the consumer,” Wasmiller said.

Amway offers an online guide to find the right supplements based on their responses to 25 questions, he added.

Publication in the British Journal coincides with the release of the company’s new Global Phytonutrient Report, based on the same research. The report provides the broader public with an examination of global fruit and vegetable intake, their availability and how that may be affecting people’s health.

Amway is highlighting the Nutrilite brand, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.